Texas Rangers Youth Academy 12U team announced for A-Rod Invitational
- 12U baseball roster announced for A-Rod Invitational
- Academy alumni Aaron Grant and Chris Marcellus selected by MLB for HBCU Swingman Classic
- Athletes Alexis Blanton, Marianna Hill and Aaliyah Marquez selected for MLB’s Elite Development Invitational
The Texas Rangers Youth Academy is set to compete in the inaugural A-Rod Invitational in Mansfield, Texas. Fifteen 12U athletes are heading to the Fields at Station 63 from June 25-28.
This tournament was crafted in partnership with Alex Rodriguez to create a high-energy, development centered environment. On Friday, June 26, the tournament will host an opening ceremony featuring a parade of teams, drone show and speech from Rodriguez.
The Youth Academy athletes set to compete are:
- Jayden Boyd
- Jesse Brownlee
- Carter Caldwell
- Ethan Carbajal
- Matthew Chau
- Christian Cindo
- Vincent Estebane
- Benjamin Garcia
- Luis Gonzalez
- Grayson Lewis
- Ricardo Marquez
- Mason Masters
- Juan Medina
- Gustavo Quintero
- Jedidiah Smith
QUICK HIT
Youth Academy alumni selected for MLB’s HBCU Swingman Classic
What is it: The HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball highlights the history and legacy of HBCU baseball programs. 50 Division-I HBCU baseball players get the opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage. The student athletes are selected by a committee that will include Ken Griffey Jr., representatives from MLB and MLBPA, and scouts.
Who it is: Aaron Grant, a former infielder at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff and recent University of Houston transfer, and Chris Marcellus, a catcher at Grambling University, were both among the 50 players selected. Marcellus will not participate due to military service.
When it is: Friday, July 10, at 7 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa.
Three Academy players selected for MLB’s Elite Development Invitational
What is it: The Elite Development Invitational is a multi-day, 18-under training camp that features intense on-field softball and girls baseball development and game play along with various off-field development sessions covering topics such as college recruiting and mental health. The invitational is coached by former USA Women’s National Team athletes, professional softball players and college coaches.
Who it is: Alexis Blanton, a sophomore at Forney High School, Amarianna Hill, a sophomore at North Forney High School, and Aaliyah Marquez, a sophomore at Duncanville High School, were selected by MLB to participate in the invitational.
When it is: June 24-26 at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla.
Education & Buckner International Programming
The Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy goes beyond baseball and softball programming to benefit our community. With help from our partner Bucker International, the Academy hosts free education and enrichment courses for athletes and their families throughout the year. Register here for all Youth Academy classes.